Salt air, sea breezes and spectacular courses define golf near the ocean. Close to home, the Jersey Shore and Ocean City, Maryland, beckon with tracks for you, as well as diversions for the rest of the family

A guide to area golf courses and clubs.
Following is a list of golf courses and clubs, many of them members of the Delaware State Golf Association and Golf Association of Philadelphia. Included is a designation of whether the course is public or private, course ratings and slopes (a measure of difficulty), distances, pars and other information. by Jessica Delli Santi, Shannon Hallameyer and Sarah Kenney

When a major industrial polluter violates its permits, when thousands of fish wash ashore, when a highway proposal threatens the tranquility of the area, these are the people who look out for the rest of us.

Delaware’s beleaguered environment is defended by activists and a DNREC administration that has shown some backbone in recent years. That’s a good thing, too. Our air and water need all the help they can get.

Local pros pick the best 18 holes in Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Have you played them yet? Plus, a tour of golf at the Maryland beaches and Jersey Shore, going easy on the environment, and a talk with the legendary Skee Riegel. Last, don’t miss the big list of area courses, with ratings, slopes, pars and more.